Labor Day is a national legal
holiday that is over 100 years old. Over the years, it has changed from
a celebration held by labor unions into a "last party of summer."

Labor Day began from a parade
and celebration held in 1882 by union workers in New York to honor
the working class. Giving in to social pressures at the time, the U.S.
Congress passed a resolution in 1894 to designate the first Monday in September
as "Labor Day" to keep the workers happy.

Today, Labor Day is observed
in the U.S. as well as in many other countries. However, in the United
States it is a general holiday, but in European countries, its roots in
the working class remain much clearer.

In the U.S., Labor Day is celebrated
more as the unofficial end of summer. In many areas of the U.S., summer
season begins with Memorial Day and ends with Labor Day. Many universities,
colleges, secondary, and elementary schools begin their classes immediately
after Labor Day.

Banks, government offices,
schools, and most businesses are closed on Labor Day. State parks, beaches,
swimming pools, and campgrounds are very busy on Labor Day, when vacationers
enjoy one last day of summer. Many people travel out of town for the last
three-day weekend of summer.